Welcome to Work at Home Wednesday. All October when we are going to be talking about Virtual Assisting.

Today I wanted to discuss four things to do before launching your virtual assisting business.

1. Gauge your experience.

This is a question asked on the Frugal Debt Free Life Facebook page, "Do you need any experience to get started?"

The answer to that question is pretty simple. You probably have all the experience you already need.

If you've ever had a job that will most likely translate into the virtual world. If you're a teacher consider being home school consultant. If you're an accountant consider offering book keeping services for blogs or other businesses across the country.

It just take a little creativity.

I got my first VA job way back in 2008 when I was a news reporter. I started writing copy for the websites of various businesses. It would be several years before I launched a business but I was able to take my real world experience and turn it into something.

2. Be willing to learn

When I first launched my business I knew nothing about HTML and I realized it was pretty important to my business. So I went to the library and I checked out every book they had on the subject and taught myself everything I could. I took free courses, I talked to other VAs.

3. Be realistic

Take the time to really evaluate your skill set. It would be so easy to look at what another person is doing and decide "I can do that." But it is really easy to get in over your head.

The last thing you want to do is bite off more than you can chew and end up not getting paid and developing a reputation as unreliable.

4. Know your value

Don't over charge in the beginning. You're just getting started, so chances are you won't be charing $50 an hour.

But also don't undercharge. Don't settle for a measly wage or just take any job because you're desperate. And don't work for free. Again, I repeat. Don't work for free.

What about you? What would you add to the list?

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